What happens after you submit an application

Once we receive your application we will contact you if we need more information. Once we are happy your application is complete we send an acknowledgement letter. We aim to make a decision within 8 weeks for small scale (local) applications and 16 weeks for large-scale (major) applications.

The application is checked and allocated to a planning officer. Your acknowledgement letter will give you the name and contact details of the planner dealing with your application

Neighbours within a 20 metre radius of the application site will be notified of the application and given 21 days to comment. Comments will be published on our ePlanning system

We may consult various agencies and specialists for advice on your proposal such as Scottish Water, SEPA, BEAR Scotland, Forestry Officer or Conservation Officer. Responses will be published on our ePlanning system

The officer will usually carry out a site visit. The applicant does not normally need to be present for this

The officer will consider all relevant policies, the views of consultees, and comments and objections submitted by members of the public. In some cases, negotiation may take place between the planner and the applicant to address any issues raised. Revised drawings may need to be submitted. If the changes are significant we may notify neighbours again

When a decision can be made, the officer will write a report making a recommendation to grant or refuse the application. In most cases the decision is delegated to the area manager, but sometimes the decision is made by the Planning Applications Committee

When a decision has been made you will be sent the decision notice. If it is granted it may include certain conditions which must be completed before any development can be done. Failure to comply could lead to enforcement action being taken against you

We will also write to anyone who has written to formally comment on an application to let them know what decision has been taken

For some applications you will also be sent a ‘Notice of Initiation of Development’ form which you should complete and return before starting any works, and a ‘Notice of Completion of Development’ form which should be completed after your development is complete